enthuse

[ en-thooz ]

verb (used without object)

, en·thused, en·thus·ing.

1. to be or become enthusiastic; show enthusiasm:

   All the neighbors enthused over the new baby.

verb (used with object)

, en·thused, en·thus·ing.

1. to cause to become enthusiastic.

enthuse

/ ɪnˈθjuːz /

verb

1. to feel or show or cause to feel or show enthusiasm

Usage Note

The verb enthuse is a 19th-century back formation from the noun enthusiasm. Originally an Americanism, enthuse is now standard and well established in the speech and all but the most formal writing of educated persons, in both Britain and the United States. It is used as a transitive verb meaning “to cause to become enthusiastic” ( The liveliness of the dance enthused the audience ) and as an intransitive verb meaning “to show enthusiasm” ( She enthused warmly over his performance ). Despite its long history and frequent occurrence, however, enthuse is still strongly disapproved of by many.

Other Words From

• quasi-en·thused adjective
• unen·thused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthuse¹

1820–30, Americanism; back formation from enthusiasm

Example Sentences

It will protect their darling fruit inside whatever bag they want to throw it in, and when someone stares at it skeptically they can enthuse about the wonders of the Banana Bunker.

From Popular-Science

That was 23 times what was produced by all conventional fuels combined, he enthused.

From Nautilus

Adam Epstein of Perpetua described these as the “hot ad of 2020,” and enthused about improved capabilities coming down the pike this year.

From Digiday

When Narazaki got home and enthused to her institute colleagues, she found that they had recorded circling or spiraling bouts now and then in other marine animals.

From Science News

BALA leaders, meanwhile, enthuse about the wave of public attention their cause is receiving.

From The Daily Beast

The events of that season were well calculated to enthuse the Confederate and to depress the Federal force.

From Project Gutenberg

Books to help uplift the young, to give them high ideas of life, to enthuse them with desires to live for a purpose!

From Project Gutenberg

The listener would enthuse in her turn, sometimes wholeheartedly, sometimes with an undercurrent of sadness or regret.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the contemplation of that happy state failed to enthuse.

From Project Gutenberg

He didnt even enthuse when he took a sip of Moselle that matched the Malasol and had more bouquet than the flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arouse
• bring about
• cause
• elicit
• galvanize
• generate
• incite
• induce
• inflame
• inspire
• instigate
• kindle
• lead to
• motivate
• precipitate
• prompt
• stir